Host the perfect wedding party in your own home

Written by Engel & Völkers on 8.4.2016

As the weather warms up and new flowers come into bloom, spring is the perfect time for a beautiful wedding. Blue skies and golden spring sunshine provide an idyllic setting for garden parties – and what better place to get married than in the home that you love? Here's how to plan the perfect party.

Prepare the garden in advance

Plan your garden the autumn before, in order to have the perfect flower arrangements ready on the big day. Tulips, daffodils and lilies-of-the-valley all need to be planted in the autumn to bloom in spring. Talk to your landscaper about any work that needs to be done to meet your event design, discussing timescales for reseeding and replanting. If you're planning on an outdoor gazebo or dance floor, you'll need ground that's perfectly flat, or will have to engage a professional tent company to put in a foundation first.

Make the most of lights

The right lighting can help to transform a garden into an elegant, magical space. Consider stringing fairy lights across the roof of a gazebo, or hanging Chinese lanterns from tree branches. Candles placed in mason jars add a touch of rustic firelight to the evening, whilst also helping to dispel any irritating insects.

Create defined spaces

Use lighting and furnishings to create different 'zones' for your wedding guests. For example, comfortable outdoor furniture placed around a cosy fire pit can serve as a rest area for those in need of some time out from the more lively dance floor area. If you're planning a midday ceremony, consider adding an activities area with lawn games, such as boules or croquet, to keep guests busy in the sunshine. This will also ensure that your youngest guests are kept happy during any lulls in proceedings.

Prep the bathrooms

Prepare your bathrooms for a large number of guests by putting in plenty of spare towels and soap. You might also want to include thoughtful additional touches, such as a basket filled with perfume, mouthwash and facial wipes so that guests can freshen up during the event.

Consult your caterer

Ask your catering company to visit your home beforehand, so that they can get an idea of the space available and offer appropriate catering options. They're likely to have a better idea about the amount of space needed to accommodate tables, chairs, chocolate fountains or bars, and can help you plan accordingly.

Be selective with home decorations

Your home will already reflect your personality, but you can emphasise this with prominent displays of your favourite photographs. Flower-topped canopies and rose curtains are the perfect way to dress up your garden, while swathes of tulle add a touch of romance to doors and entryways. Branches, crystals and candles are all good choices for sprucing up tables and flower arrangements.

If you're hunting for the perfect property to host the ultimate home wedding, contact Engel & Völkers today. Our global portfolio of luxury properties includes everything from beachfront villas to elegant country homes, guaranteeing your wedding the backdrop of your dreams.